For the sixth consecutive season, Crown Royal is honoring someone with a Cup Series race named after him or her. The five finalists for this year’s Crown Royal presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway were recently announced and this year’s winner is Fire Lieutenant and EMT from Troy, Ala. Curtiss Shaver. Bullz-Eye will be flying out to Indianapolis to meet Curtiss and check out the 2012 NASCAR Crown Royal Curtiss Shaver 400 on July 29th.

When local firefighters saved Troy native Curtiss Shaver’s life during a tragic farming accident, Shaver knew he’d found his calling. Though the accident claimed the lower part of his left leg, Shaver persevered and began a lifelong career as a firefighter and certified EMT with the goal of giving back to his community. In a special event today at Troy Fire Station No. 1, a ceremonial Yard of Bricks was revealed to recognize Shaver as winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program. The national contest renames the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on July 29th after a deserving American hero.

In an effort to bring a little piece of the famed track (more commonly known as The Brickyard) to Troy, Alabama, Crown Royal orchestrated a special ceremony that resulted in the laying of a replica “Yard of Bricks” in Troy’s downtown area. The final engraved brick bearing the race logo was personally laid by Shaver, culminating the ceremony. “I’m a huge NASCAR fan, so having my name as a race title is absolutely unbelievable” said Shaver. “I’m honored that I was nominated for this incredible contest and humbled that so many people voted for my story. I’m looking forward to representing emergency personnel everywhere who risk their lives for others on a daily basis.” Crown Royal’s Facebook page was where most of the action took place, and they were obviously very excited when Curtiss was chosen as this year’s American Hero. “Crown Royal could not be happier to announce Curtiss Shaver as our ‘Your Hero’s Name Here’ winner,” said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, Diageo North American whisky. “His story of perseverance and determination inspired everyone in the Crown Royal family and we are proud to honor him with the ultimate race experience.”

As part of the grand prize package, Shaver will ride in the pre-race pace car, deliver the trophy bearing his name to the race winner in Victory Lane, and kiss the bricks following the race. Through a partnership with IMS, country music artists from Big Machine Label Group including The Band Perry, The Mavericks, Justin Moore and Greg Bates will play special concerts at the track to honor Shaver throughout the race weekend.

“We feel privileged to host the ‘Your Hero’s Name Here’ race on July 29 for the first time in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO Jeff Belskus. “Our entire staff is thrilled to help Crown Royal provide Curtiss with the royal treatment and recognize all heroes attending this year’s race.”